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Hosta Sum and Substance
Hosta x 'Sum and Substance'
Larger than most Hosta plants, the Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is ideal for use in the coverage of empty yard space in shady spots. Loved for its lustrous leaves and unique lavender flowers, these popular shad plants are a most have in the garden this planting season!
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Giant Chartreuse Foliage for Bold Shade Garden Impact
One of the Largest Hostas for Shade Gardens.
Sum and Substance Hosta is a giant, award-winning hosta grown for its enormous chartreuse to yellow-green foliage and bold mounding habit. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves can reach impressive size, giving shaded gardens instant structure and substance. This is the hosta to choose when you want a dramatic focal point, a strong background plant, or a large foliage anchor in a woodland garden.
Chartreuse, Gold, and Green Colors That Change with Light.
The foliage color of the Sum and Substance Hosta shifts with light exposure and season. Leaves often emerge light green in spring, develop chartreuse or yellow-green tones, and may become more golden as the season progresses. Morning sun or filtered light can intensify the color, while part shade helps protect the leaves from harsh afternoon sun and keeps the foliage clean and healthy.
Bold Texture with Improved Slug Resistance.
Sum and Substance Hosta is known for large, glossy, corrugated leaves with good substance. That thicker, textured foliage can offer better slug resistance than many thinner-leaved hostas, making it a practical choice for gardeners who want a large hosta with stronger leaf durability. Slugs can still cause damage in damp shade, but this variety is often valued for its better resistance to slugs than more delicate hostas.
A Specimen Hosta with Award-Winning Garden Presence.
Named the 2004 Hosta of the Year, Sum and Substance remains a favorite because few shade perennials create this much presence with foliage alone. Use it as a specimen plant, large container feature, woodland garden anchor, shaded foundation plant, or mass planting where space allows. It pairs beautifully with ferns, astilbe, heuchera, hellebores, brunnera, carex, Japanese forest grass, bleeding heart, and other shade-loving perennials.
Low Maintenance with Honest Deer Awareness.
Sum and Substance Hosta is easy to grow in moist, organically rich, well-drained soil, but it should not be considered deer-proof. Deer commonly browse hostas, even though some sources note this cultivar may be slightly less palatable than others. Protect plants in high-deer areas, monitor for slugs early in the season, and keep the bed clean by removing dormant foliage before spring growth returns.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 24 to 36 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 55 to 70 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to full shade; tolerates morning sun or filtered sun with consistent moisture |
| Soil | Moist, average to fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter |
| Water | Moderate to consistent; keep evenly moist, especially during establishment and dry periods |
| Bloom Time / Color | Mid to late summer; pale lavender to light purple flowers |
| Foliage: | Large chartreuse, yellow-green, or gold-toned heart-shaped leaves with glossy, corrugated texture |
| Ornamental Features | Giant foliage, chartreuse color, corrugated leaves, bold mounding habit, specimen value, 2004 Hosta of the Year |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers may attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators |
| Resistance | Low maintenance; good slug resistance for a hosta; deer may browse foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Shade borders, woodland gardens, specimen plantings, mass plantings, large containers, shaded foundations, focal points, background plantings |
How to Care for Hosta Sum and Substance
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Sum and Substance Hosta for years to come!
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How should I plant Sum and Substance Hosta?
Plant Sum and Substance Hosta in part shade to full shade where the soil is moist, well drained, and enriched with organic matter. Morning sun or filtered light can improve the chartreuse-gold foliage color, but avoid hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Choose a planting site with plenty of space because this is one of the largest hostas and can spread several feet wide at maturity. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture and keep the root zone cool, keeping mulch slightly pulled back from the crown.
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How often should I water Sum and Substance Hosta after planting?
Water Sum and Substance Hosta deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season. Large hostas have broad leaves and perform best when the root zone does not dry out severely, especially while the plant is establishing and producing new foliage. Once established, water during dry spells to maintain full, healthy leaves. Plants growing in containers, under tree roots, or in brighter light may need more frequent watering. Avoid constantly soggy soil, but do not allow the root zone to stay dry for long periods.
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When should I fertilize Sum and Substance Hosta?
Fertilize Sum and Substance Hosta in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer, a light topdressing of compost, or an organic fertilizer suitable for perennials. This supports the large foliage and helps the plant develop a full, broad clump. Avoid heavy late-season fertilizing, which can encourage tender growth. Healthy hostas usually do not need aggressive feeding. Consistent moisture, organic matter, and proper shade placement are more important than heavy fertilizer for long-term performance.
When and how should I prune Sum and Substance Hosta?
Remove spent flower scapes after blooming if you prefer a cleaner look. The foliage should remain in place through the growing season because it feeds the crown and helps the plant build energy for the following year. Cut back dead foliage in late fall after frost or in early spring before new growth emerges. Remove damaged or slug-chewed leaves as needed during the season. Divide mature clumps in spring or early fall only when needed, because large hostas can remain undisturbed for years when given enough space.
